Brighton & Hove might be best known for its vibrant seafront, iconic pier, and lively culture – but did you know it’s also a fantastic place to explore beneath the waves?

Whether you’re new to scuba or looking to add a local dive to your logbook, the Sussex coast offers a surprisingly rich underwater world. To help you prepare, our team of Oyster Diving’s expert PADI instructors have put together this beginner-friendly guide covering the essentials you should know before heading out for a dive in Brighton.

1. Visibility – What to Expect

The English Channel can be unpredictable when it comes to visibility. Off Brighton, it typically ranges from 2–6 metres depending on the season and recent weather. After periods of calm, the water can clear nicely, but strong winds and heavy rain may reduce visibility. Don’t let this put you off – learning to dive in lower-viz conditions builds excellent buoyancy and navigation skills.

Instructor Tip: Plan your dives after a few days of settled weather for the best chance of clear water. A dive torch is also handy for bringing colours to life. Also, if you dive during neap tides then the visibility tends to be slightly better.

2. Tidal Currents – Timing is Key

The Sussex coast is influenced by strong tidal movements, which can create challenging currents if you don’t time your dives correctly. Most dives around Brighton are scheduled for slack water (the period between high and low tide when currents are minimal).

Instructor Tip: Always check tide tables and dive with a qualified guide who knows the local timings. At Oyster Diving, we carefully plan our training sessions and guided dives around tides to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Why not join one of our regular boat dives out of Brighton Marina where we run easy shallow dives and wreck dives for more advanced divers? SEE MORE >>

3. Marine Life – What You’ll See

Brighton’s waters may surprise you with how much life thrives here. Expect to encounter:

• Crabs, lobsters, and cuttlefish hiding in the rocks.

• Colourful anemones and starfish on the seabed.

• Occasional visits from seahorses and dogfish in the kelp beds.

• Shoals of wrasse, pollock, and other coastal fish.

Instructor Tip: Take it slow! The more relaxed and observant you are, the more you’ll notice.

4. Equipment – Be Prepared for UK Waters

The sea off Brighton can be chilly, even in summer, with average temperatures ranging from 8°C in spring to around 18°C in late summer. A 7mm wetsuit or drysuit is recommended, along with hood and gloves for extra warmth.

Other kit to consider:

• Surface Marker Buoy (SMB) & reel – essential for surfacing safely in busy coastal waters.

• Torch – helps cut through lower visibility and brings colour back to marine life.

• Dive computer – to track depth, time, and safety stops (required by law on overseas trips, but a good habit at home too).

Instructor Tip: If you don’t yet have your own gear, Oyster Diving Shop offers a full range of equipment for UK diving – from drysuits and regulators to SMBs and computers.

5. Safety – Learn with Local Experts

Safety should always come first when diving, especially in tidal waters like Brighton. Diving with a qualified instructor or experienced local guide will help you navigate the conditions confidently.

At Oyster Diving, our East Sussex team of PADI professionals run:

• Try Dives for complete beginners.

• Open Water Courses for those starting their scuba journey.

• Advanced and specialty courses for divers wanting to explore more challenging conditions.

• Club dives for qualified divers looking to enjoy regular trips with a fun, social community.

Instructor Tip: Always dive within your training and comfort limits, and never be afraid to call a dive if something doesn’t feel right.

Ready to Explore Brighton’s Underwater World?

Scuba diving in Brighton & Hove offers a unique way to see the Sussex coast – from colourful marine life to historic wrecks. With the right preparation, equipment, and guidance, it’s a brilliant spot for beginners and seasoned divers alike.

👉 Browse Oyster Diving Shop’s scuba gear
👉 Learn to dive with our Brighton team